CHOOSING YOUR OWN (HERITAGE) AGENT

Working with a Realtor ® can save time and money because it gives you the advantage of dealing with a market expert who can guide you through the maze of contracts, inspections, and negotiations. Choosing one agent to work with means you can use your time wisely and ensure that he or she fully understands all your needs. We offer the following suggestions for selecting and working with an agent to make your home purchase much more pleasant:

WHEN CHOOSING A REALTOR, YOU SHOULD:

Feel comfortable with his or her professional work style and knowledge.

Ask specific questions about the neighborhoods in which you are interested. You should feel comfortable that your agent has a thorough knowledge of the area, taxes, deed restrictions, resale values, new construction, financing, community activities, and schools, etc.

Feel that your agent will dedicate 100 percent of his or her resources to working for you.

Enter into a Residential Buyer Representation Agreement, which makes your Realtor a partner who works exclusively for you.

Interview multiple agents and go with your gut. To determine the one who fits best with your needs, make sure to ask the right questions.

QUESTIONS TO ASK:

Is your agent associated with a company that is active in your market area?

Will your agent provide the marketing and research support necessary to be successful in finding you a home?

Does your agent have strong working relationships with agents from other firms in your areas of interest?

Does your agent’s company assist corporate transferees?

Is your agent’s firm a member of a Relocation network?

Is your agent a member of the National Association of Realtors® and the Houston Association of Realtors®?

Does your agent have access to Multiple Listing Services® (MLS)?

What is your agent’s background? Is he/she a full-time real estate professional?

ADDITIONAL TIPS

Your agent should be able to show you any home listed for sale and suggest other listings that may fit your needs, even if they are another company’s listings.

When you attend an open house without your agent, notify the listing agent that you have a working relationship with another Realtor®, either verbally or by signing your agent’s name on the open house register. Likewise, if you see an ad for a house you are interested in, tell your agent and they will obtain information on the home for you.